Higher rates and clampdown on visitors in parking shake-up

Sweeping changes to parking rules in the heart of London could see thousands of motorists forced to pay higher rates for second and third cars - and a clampdown on when and where visitors can park.

Under the biggest shake-up of parking in Westminster for a decade, strict 24-hour, seven-day-a-week controls on parking bays are set to be imposed.

This would effectively bar them to non-residents who at the moment can park free of charge outside the "hours of control" which generally end at 6.30pm.

This would infuriate motorists attempting to visit the borough in the evenings but be welcomed by residents in central areas who say their bays are swamped by visitors in the evenings and overnight.

Under the proposals however, residents' permits for second and third cars could soar by 100 per cent over the standard rate, to deter multiple car ownership.

The council will also consult on whether to extend the hours of control during evenings and at weekends on paid-for parking bays in the West End, putting further restrictions on when and where visitors to the borough can leave their cars.

The proposals follow research by the council revealing that pressure on paid-for parking spaces has reached unacceptable levels. Westminster says its parking rules must now change to reflect the changing patterns of travel by Londoners.

It says that some parts of the West End are now at their busiest at about 10pm on weekday evenings, as London parties and socialises.

In some areas at weekends, it says, traffic levels are so high from 2-3am it is creating a new rush hour.

Pressure on parking on Sundays in parts of Westminster has soared too, with demand on some parking bays higher than on weekdays.

Westminster says motorists now struggle to park in paid-for bays in zones G, F and E - the busiest shopping, entertainment and tourism areas of the city -on Sundays.

But the proposals have drawn criticism.

Parking campaigner Barrie Segal, of Appealnow.com. said: "There could be a seismic adverse effect for businesses whose revenue is generated by customers after the current controlled hours which end at 6.30pm."